Cost Counter Tops

[Halfathumb]

I have 2 bids for approx. 122 SF of granite, 1 for $8850 1 3/16 thick and the other $3435 for 1 1/16 thick. They both have A+ rating with the BBB. The higher price has a 4.5 * from google and the lesser has a 5. If this stands up, I'll give up the 1/8" for $5400. Is granite rated like some plywood has better filling than others. the cheaper 1 is family owned since 2006, the other Corp. owned. The granite prices are $638 and $ 1200. Any expertise out there?

[Bob10]

I have 7 kitchens in the thinner stone and even more baths in it no issues but it requres 5/8" ply under it where the thicker stuff doesn't.  One is 2 cm the other is 3

[fixtureman]

Remember the Corp has more cost in advertising and overhead that you are paying for

[Halfathumb]

Do mean putting the ply reinforcement into the cabinet so it's flush the cabinet sides, front and backs?

[BobW]

It sounds like you're comparing apples to grapefruits.  Go to a granite supplier in your area and pick out slabs that you like.  There can be a really big difference in price in the types of granite you pick.  Get your contractors to bid on installing those slabs.  If you're asking them to give you a price on the cheapest granite they can get, and you don't care what the granite looks like, at least get a quote on the same thickness, 2 or 3cm.

[Bob10]

you can inset the ply if you want to but most often the cabs are covered in 5/8" ply. the finished edge of the 2 cm counter is doubled up and hides the ply.
 

[Halfathumb]

It sounds like you're comparing apples to grapefruits.  Go to a granite supplier in your area and pick out slabs that you like.  There can be a really big difference in price in the types of granite you pick.  Get your contractors to bid on installing those slabs.  If you're asking them to give you a price on the cheapest granite they can get, and you don't care what the granite looks like, at least get a quote on the same thickness, 2 or 3cm.

Thanks BOBW, I'm doing the makeover myself except for the granite ("a good man knows his limitations"). The most 2 expensive ones are 3cm but the 2 lower ones are 2cm. Thanks for input.

[Halfathumb]

You've been helpful also. Thanks.

[museumguy]

If you go with 2cm, please give us detailed photos and an account of how it goes. I've never seen a top done in 2cm, we always use 3cm. I'm curious as to how it a 2cm looks when finished. I'm a cabinet installer so we don't get to see the end product much. I'd like to see how this turns out.

[Bob10]

I can't do much without photobucket